Summer break is half over and store shelves have filled with supplies for kids to take back to school.

The Ortonville Community Emergency Fund is hoping local residents will help get some of those supplies into the hands of financially disadvantaged students, and perhaps even help to put some new shoes on these students' feet.

OCEF is currently collecting donations of school supplies to distribute to low-income families with school-aged children in the Brandon School District.

"Anything we can do to ease their burden is a blessing and this community always comes through," said OCEF President and Volunteer Coordinator Karyn Milligan. "This means a whole heck of a lot to parents and kids."

OCEF expects to assist about 300 students in the Brandon School District with supplies for this school year. Many parents have asked for assistance in getting new shoes for their children, and for this reason, donations of Payless Shoe Source gift cards are especially welcomed. Backpacks and 4G flash drives (computer zip sticks) are also very popular.

"Because of the economic times, a lot of school things fall on the parents," noted Milligan. "When you're out shopping, please pick up a few things for less fortunate children."

Donations can be dropped off at St. Anne Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road. Place gift cards in the OCEF collection box located near the entrance to the worship area. For more information on how to help, call the St. Anne Christian Services office at 248-627-3965, ext. 103.